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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend –
Hearing directly from Iowans in every corner of our state, from our most populated counties to our most rural, is critical to my job. It’s the way I understand their needs and concerns so I can continue to bring Iowans’ voices to Washington and fight on their behalf.
Click here or on the image above to read more about my visits.
This week, I was excited to kick off my 99 County Tour for 2021 with stops in Warren, Clarke, and Dallas Counties, marking the seventh year in a row I’ve continued my pledge to visit every single one of Iowa’s 99 counties. I’m looking forward to engaging with thousands of Iowans along the way.
Here are some of the other highlights from this week:
Making ‘Em Squeal
Hardworking Iowans sent me to Congress to crack down on the federal government’s out of control spending. As part of my efforts to root out Washington’s wasteful spending, I was proud to usher two key government transparency measures into law as part of the annual defense bill.
Both of the bipartisan bills will give taxpayers a clearer picture on where and how their dollars are being spent:
- The Taxpayer Right to Know Act will require a public report card listing every federal program, along with regular updates on the costs and performance outcomes of each.
- Aspects of my COST Act were also included in the annual defense bill and requires research and development projects supported by the Department of Defense (DOD) to include a price tag that is easily available for taxpayers.
Promoting Iowa-Grown Biofuel
I’ve long been calling for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action to expand access to higher blends of biofuel, like E15, and to provide more choice at the pump.
A new proposed rule by EPA would help remove barriers to increase sales of E15 by addressing issues with the label at the pump and underground storage tanks. On behalf of Iowa’s biofuel community, I’m glad to see EPA take this step; and, as the saying goes, “better late than never.”
Click here or on the image above to read our letter.
I also joined my colleagues in urging EPA to hold off on issuing numerous pending small refinery exemptions (SREs) – the harmful “gap year” waivers that threaten to undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard.
As a relentless advocate for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers, I’ll never stop fighting tooth and nail to defend their way of life.
ICYMI: Important Measures for Servicemembers and Veterans Signed Into Law
As a combat veteran, advocating for our servicemembers and veterans across Iowa and America continues to be one of my top priorities. In the Senate, I’ve been working across the aisle to ensure they have the support and care they deserve, and I’m proud that two bipartisan measures I helped pass were signed into law last week:
BONUS READ
What happened at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 is not the America that I know, that I love, and that I fought for. We are and forever will be the United States of America, and no difference or disagreement is too big for us to overcome.
Click here or on the image above to read my column.
For more updates on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to ‘Like’ my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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